Mercedes-Benz is taking a more open approach to fleet sales with its two new E-Class models – the saloon and recently unveiled Coupe.

Instead of just offering contract hire rates, the manufacturer is pushing its corporate sales team to offer additional deals to win business.

“We’re already talking to fleets about the E-Class, and now with the new Coupe too, and putting together the finance on an individual basis to ensure that each customer gets what they want in terms of rates, specification or other extras,” said Simon Oldfield, sales director at Mercedes-Benz UK.

“It is really important that our corporate team doesn’t just offer blanket deals that say ‘here’s the rates’ and that’s it.

"If a fleet wants driver training or hands-free phone kits fitted as standard then we will try to accommodate that as part of the deal.”

Mercedes-Benz has also recently launched Excellence in Professional Driving in conjunction with Ultimate Car Control, offering fleets a special rate to undergo training.